Magpies rival Real Madrid for Middlesbrough winger

Newcastle United are preparing a shock summer move for Middlesbrough Adam Johnson, Spanish sources indicate. It is understood that Real Madrid are also interested in signing the talented 21-year-old England U21 International, but now, Boro are set to face a stern test to keep their prized asset with bitter rivals Newcastle United also knocking at the door.

The news comes after rumours surfaced about Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon in a possible summer move to St. James' Park, but club sources have denied its truth.

Winger Johnson is one of the many players to have graduated from Middlesbrough's acclaimed Academy to the first team in recent years, and can play on either wing, or as a central attacking midfielder.

No fee is yet to be disclosed, but it is expected that Boro will up the price of the Sunderland-born player in order to keep him at the club.